Helping hands

Coalbush women thrive on tradition of giving

Coalbush women thrive on tradition of giving

February 10, 2006|LINDSEY HAB Tribune Staff Writer

They are a group of women dedicated to embracing what it truly means to love and care for others, and they have been doing so for decades. The Coalbush United Methodist Church Women's Society has been working hard to contribute to those in need since 1914. "It stretches back throughout the history of the church," said Jim Davidson, who has been serving as pastor there for the past nine years. "They have always been involved in charitable events." Each month about 12 women, who call themselves the Circle, join together to plan and organize ways they can contribute to the community and missions through various donations and services. Every organization the group contributes to has "either a personal connection through family or friends, or our philosophies are similar (in terms of) Christian values," said Davidson. Of those organizations, three different food pantries are served with between 20 and 30 bags of food the congregation pulls together each month. The women then make the contribution and give a cash donation to one of the three pantries each month as well. "We send out a lot food," said Betty Carpenter, who has been a member for over 30 years. But food pantries are not the only organizations sensing the servant hearts of these women. Contributions are made to at least nine other organizations as funds allow. Last year alone, the group, along with the aid of the congregation, contributed around $6,500, not including all the food, toys and other items donated. "The biggest frustration is not being able to do more," said Davidson. Carpenter senses the appreciation Hope Rescue Mission has when she brings a group to volunteer each month. "When I leave there, I always want to do more." One time at Hope Rescue Mission she brought a hat to donate and, "A man walked right up and said, 'Can I have that? I don't have a hat,'" said Carpenter. The group also makes donations to the Salvation Army, and each year at Christmas, brings toys. "One gal stood there and cried when we delivered toys," said Carpenter. It is that sense of helping people that keeps this group alive. "You don't do things expecting things in return. You just do it," said Pat Rogers, who has been in the group for 10 years. The women do other tasks as well, such as participate in a craft night. There they learn to make items they can sell in their fall craft fair ... with the proceeds again going toward charitable organizations. With all this time spent together, valuable friendships are bound to develop. "The group has a good time together," said Davidson. Carpenter agreed, "The group watches out for one another. It's good fellowship." The members together bring about a wide range of experience and personalities. "I am consistently impressed by this group of women," said Davidson. And there is no sign of the group slowing down either. Carpenter, eager and excited said, "I am going to go home and chop wood." Staff writer Lindsey Hab: lhab@sbtinfo.com